Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906)

Peer Gynt

Translated by Robert Farquharson Sharp

Act II

Scene 8

(Sunrise. The mountain-side in front of Ase’s saeter. The door is shut; all is silent and deserted.)

(Peer Gynt is lying asleep by the wall of the saeter.)

PEER (wakens, and looks about him with dull and heavy eyes. He spits). What wouldn’t I give for a pickled herring! (Spits again, and at the same moment catches sight of Helga, who appears carrying a basket of food.) Ha, child, are you there? What is it you want?

HELGA. It is Solveig—

PEER (jumping up). Where is she?

HELGA. Behind the saeter.

SOLVEIG (unseen). If you come nearer, I’ll run away!

PEER (stopping short). Perhaps you’re afraid I might take you in my arms?

SOLVEIG. For shame!

PEER. Do you know where I was last night?—Like a horse-fly the Dovre-King’s daughter is after me.

SOLVEIG. Then it was well that the bells were set ringing.

PEER. Peer Gynt’s not the lad they can lure astray.—What do you say?

HELGA (crying). Oh, she’s running away! (Running after her.) Wait!

PEER (catches her by the arm). Look here, what I have in my pocket! A silver button, child! You shall have it,—only speak for me!

HELGA. Let me be; let me go!

PEER. There you have it.

HELGA. Let go; there’s the basket of food.

PEER. God pity you if you don’t—!

HELGA. Uf, how you scare me!

PEER (gently; letting her go). No, I only meant: beg her not to forget me!

(Helga runs off.)

Act II Scene 7

Act III Scene 1